US declares evidence of Venezuelan opposition’s victory in Presidential Election
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has asserted that there is “overwhelming evidence” indicating Venezuela’s opposition candidate, Edmundo González, won the recent presidential election. Blinken emphasized that despite incumbent President Nicolás Maduro’s disputed claim of victory, González secured the majority of votes.
“Given the overwhelming evidence, it is clear to the United States and, most importantly, to the Venezuelan people that Edmundo González Urrutia won the most votes in Venezuela’s 28 July presidential election,” Blinken declared.
This statement aligns with calls from the presidents of Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia for Venezuela to disclose the full details of the election. Last Sunday, the government-controlled electoral council announced that President Maduro had won a third term, a result immediately contested by the opposition. The opposition claimed that their tally, based on receipts from electronic voting machines nationwide, showed a clear victory for González.
Ahead of the election, opinion polls also suggested a significant lead for the opposition candidate. President Maduro has dismissed these allegations, accusing foreign governments of meddling and asserting that the opposition’s dispute amounts to an attempted coup.
The announcement of Maduro’s victory has incited violent protests in Caracas, with riot police deploying tear gas and rubber bullets against demonstrators. The international community has largely criticized the election outcome, demanding transparency from the Venezuelan government. While allies such as China, Russia, and Iran have recognized the result, the US, European Union, and other G7 nations are calling for the release of detailed voting data.
On social media, Blinken emphasized the importance of electoral integrity, stating, “Electoral data overwhelmingly demonstrate the will of the Venezuelan people: democratic opposition candidate Edmundo González won the most votes in Sunday’s election. Venezuelans have voted, and their votes must count.”
Blinken’s intervention is particularly notable, recalling the US’s decision after the 2018 election to recognize opposition leader Juan Guaidó as interim president and impose sanctions on Venezuela. He urged for “respectful, peaceful transition” discussions in line with Venezuelan electoral law and public sentiment.
Opposition leader María Corina Machado, currently in hiding, has called for mass demonstrations on Saturday. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Machado reiterated that Maduro did not win the election and claimed to have receipts from over 80% of polling stations to prove González’s victory. She appealed to the international community to reject what she termed an illegitimate government.
Source: BBC
